David Munyua produced one of the biggest shocks of the World Darts Championship, fighting back from two sets down to defeat world number 18 Mike De Decker in the first round. The Kenyan debutant, a full-time veterinarian, rallied in front of a raucous Alexandra Palace crowd to secure a 3-2 victory.
The match was filled with drama, including De Decker missing match darts in the fourth set and Munyua miscounting while on 40, hitting double 16 instead of double 20. There was also a bizarre incident involving the infamous Ally Pally wasp, which Munyua reportedly killed mid-flight and pocketed. The insect had been a running feature of the tournament, disrupting players like Luke Littler and Ross Smith.
Munyua, who works as a vet specialising in pets, said before the tournament that he wants to inspire Kenyan darts. 'Not only for me, but for all Kenyan darters. That’s my main goal. I want to show that there’s talent in Africa,' he said. He acknowledged the challenge of balancing his profession with darts, adding, 'Caring for animals is my passion. I’m self-employed, and my colleagues can step in when I go to play tournaments.'
Munyua will face either Kevin Doets or Matthew Dennant in the second round. His win is one of several upsets on the opening day, following Japanese debutant Motomu Sakai’s 3-0 victory over Thibault Tricole.
